ALIQUIPPA – Senator Camera Bartolotta (R-46) announced today that the Municipal Water Authority of Aliquippa will receive more than $3.1 million from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) in the form of a low-interest loan and a grant to replace lead service lines.
The project includes the replacement of 275 existing lead water service lines from the main line to the curb box, as well as any associated lead service lines on the customer side, with copper pipe. The removal of lead lines has been a priority since a sampling exceeded an action level for lead in the first half of 2020.
Currently, the existing system serves more than 6,600 residential customers with a population of more than 15,000. Because of the PENNVEST funding, user fees are not expected to increase. Absent the funding, they would have faced a 3% increase.
“Thanks to the PENNVEST funding, Aliquippa families will be able to enjoy safe drinking water, something so many of us take for granted, without being hit with exorbitant additional costs. Receiving the funding is a win for public health and area infrastructure. This is not just an investment in the region, but a testament to all the hard work of the leadership in the area,” Sen. Bartolotta said.
The estimated total project cost will be covered with the non-repayment grant of $1,911,819 and low-interest loan of $1,217,181.
PENNVEST approved the funding at its board meeting this week. The state’s PENNVEST Program provides low-interest loans and grants for the design, engineering and construction of drinking water distribution facilities, stormwater conveyance and wastewater treatment and collection systems.
CONTACT: Katrina Hanna, 717-787-1463